Chiwenga Takes Charge Shedding Tears
21 January 2025
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By Munacho Gwamanda-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga returned Monday from his annual leave to resume duties as acting President, burdened by sorrow and political tension.

Upon his return, Chiwenga began his acting presidency with a condolence statement mourning Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, one of his close allies, who passed away last week.

Major General Siziba, 67, died at KG6 Hospital in Harare while Chiwenga was on leave.

State media attributed the death to cancer, but whispers of scepticism surrounding the cause have emerged, especially from Chiwenga’s camp.

In his heartfelt message, Chiwenga celebrated Siziba’s liberation war contributions and military career, describing him as a loyal and dedicated leader.

Siziba’s illustrious journey included training under General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, surviving the Freedom Camp attacks, serving in Mozambique and the DRC, and leading initiatives such as the Botswana Military Attaché Association.

However, Siziba’s death marks yet another addition to the growing list of high-ranking military officials who have died under unclear circumstances since President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial rise to power through the 2017 military coup led by Chiwenga.

The deaths of key Chiwenga allies—among them Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo, Agriculture Minister Perence Shiri, and over ten other senior military figures—have fueled speculation of a calculated purge aimed at consolidating Mnangagwa’s grip on power.

Insiders assert that Mnangagwa’s actions defy a post-coup power-sharing agreement that would have seen him serve two terms before ceding the presidency to Chiwenga.

Instead, Mnangagwa has reportedly moved to extend his rule through constitutional amendments, alienating Chiwenga’s faction and escalating tensions within the ruling Zanu PF.

“Mnangagwa’s refusal to honor the agreement has created a rift that’s impossible to ignore,” a senior Zanu PF official disclosed. “The systematic sidelining of Chiwenga’s allies is a clear message that dissent will not be tolerated.”

The growing divide within Zanu PF has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization.

Analysts caution that the removal of Chiwenga’s military loyalists could embolden his faction to retaliate, with some suggesting the possibility of another coup.

“Mnangagwa’s survival now hinges on parliamentary backing and a neutral military,” political analyst Mutodi remarked. “But if Chiwenga’s camp feels sufficiently marginalized, they may challenge his legitimacy outright.”

With Zanu PF’s history of violent power struggles, the deepening conflict between the President and his Vice President threatens to plunge Zimbabwe into another period of uncertainty.